Comic Writer and Artist

Time to Close Some Doors

During the last few months, I’ve been working hard to a) recover from a car wreck* and b) catch up on comic things. It’s been pretty time-consuming, and I felt like I was “missing out” on other opportunities by focusing so much on just comic pages. There were illustrations I wanted to make, videos to record, classes to teach, blogs to write, and so on. But I couldn’t seem to find an extra minute without falling behind on comic pages again!

I had to think really hard about this. I needed to reevaluate my priorities, and figure out what really needed my attention and what could wait.

You can only walk through one door at a time.

Around the same time, I was also thinking that my portfolio needed a refresher. It’s been a while since I put any new work up here, and I’ve definitely done a lot! So, while sipping a cup of Starbucks, I pondered what kind of pieces should go on my website, as well as what kinda of work I should continue making in the future.

The result of this caffeine-fueled introspection was honestly a bit sad but also freeing: comics. I just want to be a comic artist. All of my other interests are still there, but I want to be known for my comic work. At first, I was a bit sad because I love the idea of illustrated children’s books, concept art, character design, book covers, and literally anything involving illustration. I like making videos, and I like teaching. But ultimately I don’t love any of those things the way I love making comics.

That was the sad part.

The freeing part was that I had a clear “north” on my compass again. Comics are my product, the heart of everything I do. I can still do other things (videos and teaching), but after making the conscious decision to specialize in comics, everything else had a direction, a purpose. My videos will be about comics, and I will teach comics, and I will write about comics.

I’m not totally shutting out any/all other interests, but I’m being honest about where my heart is and where I’d like it to be. In some ways, I think I’ve known this for a while, but I didn’t really acknowledge it. Deep down, I’ve wanted to be a comic artist for a while, but I kept second guessing myself. I was worried I wouldn’t be good enough, I wouldn’t have a “real” job, and so on. I kept the other doors open, just in case comics didn’t work out. I’m closing those doors (for now) and allowing myself to really see where comics can take me.

I kinda just needed to type this blog for myself, but I’m sharing it for anyone who’s worried about giving up possible opportunities to pursue a single passion. You’ll be surprised what will happen when you finally allow yourself to give 100% of your energy to one dream.

PS: I’m still working on the portfolio bit of this “crisis” so my website is going through some changes. I’ll create a post once I get everything settled again!

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